Key Largo Reef Fishing Charters for Families & Beginners
Intro to Fishing Reef Charter · 2, 3 or 4 hours · 1–6 guests · From $450
New to fishing? Bring your family or friends for a private trip to Key Largo’s nearby patch reefs. Capt. Dan Matthews helps you get comfortable with the tackle, bait your hooks and learn what to do when a fish bites. Choose a shorter outing or give your group more time on the water.
You don’t need to arrive knowing how to fish. Tell us who’s coming, especially the ages of children, and we’ll help you choose a length that fits.
A young guest shows a yellowtail snapper caught on a Key Largo reef trip.
Choose your reef fishing trip length
Private-boat rates for up to six guests.
SHORT INTRODUCTION
2 Hours · $450
Try fishing for the first time.
Base private-boat rate · Up to 6 guests
MORE TIME TO LEARN
3 Hours · $675
Settle in and enjoy more reef fishing.
Base private-boat rate · Up to 6 guests
LONGER REEF OUTING
4 Hours · $900
More time aboard with your group.
Base private-boat rate · Up to 6 guests
Each rate covers your own group of up to six guests. Two hours keeps the outing short; it doesn’t provide the fishing time of a half-day trip. If you’re unsure how your children will handle a boat trip, talk with Dan before selecting your date.
NEARBY PATCH REEFS
What to expect on our Key Largo reef fishing charters
The Intro trip focuses on patch reefs near Key Largo, generally around two to three miles from shore. You’ll use the tackle provided and fish with guidance as you go. The captain adjusts the plan to the day’s conditions and your group’s experience.
A nearby reef trip reduces the need for a long offshore run. It still takes place on the ocean, where wind and waves can affect the day. We don’t promise flat water or a particular number of fish.
Want heavier tackle and deeper structure? Look at the Deep Wreck & Reef Big Game Charter.
A family enjoys fishing aboard Miss Chief in Key Largo.
A young angler with a snapper and the turquoise water of Key Largo.
FOR FAMILIES & BEGINNERS
A friendly first fishing trip
You don’t need previous fishing experience. Tell Dan who is coming and the ages of children so he can help you choose a trip length. You’ll have guidance with tackle, bait and the fishing itself.
If you want more time or heavier tackle offshore, compare the Deep Wreck & Reef charter.
GEAR & GUIDANCE INCLUDED
Fishing gear and guidance are included
Your private reef charter includes Capt. Dan and the crew needed for your trip; rods, reels, tackle and bait; onboard Florida fishing-license coverage; fuel, ice, a cooler and bottled water; and cleaning and bagging of fish you legally keep.
Bring your own food and any extra drinks you prefer. There is a restroom aboard. Let us know about your group’s needs before booking so we can help you prepare.
PLAN YOUR FIRST REEF TRIP
Before you book
Two hours offers a short introduction; three or four hours gives your group more time to learn and fish. Tell Dan the children’s ages and your group’s needs before choosing. Nearby reefs still have ocean conditions.
Departures start at 7 a.m.; available times depend on the trip length. Follow your confirmation and arrive 15–20 minutes early at 400 Ocean Drive, Key Largo. Pack snacks, sun protection and non-marking shoes, plus any extra drinks your family prefers; bottled water is supplied.
Discuss children’s comfort, boarding and balance needs with Dan before booking. A shorter trip means less time at sea, not a promise of calm water. Gear and instruction are included; no catch is guaranteed.
Family packing and trip preparation guide →
Whole-boat rates plus a 6% booking fee; gratuity is extra. Give 72 hours’ cancellation notice. Late cancellations and no-shows forfeit the deposit. Captain-cancelled weather trips receive a full deposit refund.
Start on nearby patch reefs, about 2–3 miles from Key Largo. Choose two, three or four hours for a private introduction to fishing. The captain chooses the day’s route and grounds.
This trip is about learning the feel of fishing. Your captain helps with the tackle, bait and next step, so you don’t need experience to take part.
ANSWERS TO COMMON QUESTIONS
Reef fishing questions
Is this suitable for kids who have never fished?
This trip is designed as an introduction for families and beginners. We help with tackle and bait and explain what to do as you fish. Tell us your children’s ages before booking so we can discuss the trip length, the conditions and any practical needs for your group.
Is reef fishing the same as backcountry or flats fishing?
This trip fishes ocean-side patch reefs near Key Largo. It is not a flats or backcountry skiff trip. If your goal is a specific style of fishing or a particular species, tell Dan before booking so the trip description and your expectations line up.
Do we need to buy fishing licenses?
Onboard fishing-license coverage is included in this charter. You don’t need to purchase a separate recreational saltwater license for this trip. That coverage does not automatically apply to any fishing you do separately from shore or another boat. See FWC’s charter-license information.
Can we keep our fish?
Fish cleaning is included for fish you legally keep. What may be kept depends on the species and the rules in effect, as well as what you catch. The captain will guide that decision. Catching dinner can be part of the day, but it is never guaranteed.
YOUR PRIVATE DAY ON THE WATER
Start with a reef trip that fits your group
Choose two, three or four hours and bring your questions. We’ll help you take the first step.
Check Key Largo Reef Fishing Dates →
Call Capt. Dan · (305) 393-2430